Strauss has announced he is standing down as England's director of cricket Credit: PA

Andrew Strauss has announced he is standing down as England's director of cricket following a spell of compassionate leave.

Strauss' wife Ruth was diagnosed with cancer during the Ashes in December 2017 and he took a break from his position at the start of the summer after she began a new course of treatment.

The former Test captain, who has been in post for three-and-a-half years, has now informed the England and Wales Cricket Board he will not be returning to his role but will take on a 'flexible' position with the governing body.

Andy Flower, who has been standing in on an interim basis since May, will continue to hold the reins until December, while recruitment of a permanent successor takes place.

Uncapped batsmen Rory Burns and Joe Denly have been named in England's Test squad to tour Sri Lanka, alongside rookie paceman Olly Stone who received his first international call-up earlier this week for the preceding one-day series.

Alastair Cook's retirement after 161 Tests left Ed Smith's selection panel with a top-order conundrum which has been solved by a long-awaited summons for Surrey captain Burns and an international return for 32-year-old Denly.

Unlike Burns, the Kent veteran has played white-ball international cricket before but has not been seen at the highest level since a Twenty20 in Dubai in February 2010.

Keaton Jennings, Cook's last opening partner, retains his place in a 16-man squad despite a poor summer and senior seamers James Anderson and Stuart Broad will both travel, scotching suggestions one or both could be rested for the three-match series.

Warwickshire seamer Stone, having already earned his place in the 50-over squad, continues his rapid ascent by taking his place alongside the established duo.